The majority of states either have—or are considering—legalized sports betting
Fact checked by Timothy Li
Reviewed by Margaret James
Sports and gambling are both major industries in the United States, but until recently, the ability to legally bet on sports was confined to just a few states. Thanks to a wave of new legislation, however, sports betting has become much more accessible, especially with the rise of online and mobile platforms. Despite this growth, the legal landscape varies significantly across the country, with some states imposing heavy restrictions or maintaining outright bans. Here’s a breakdown of the current sports betting laws by state and what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Sports betting typically requires working with a sportsbook, which may operate either as a retail location or through online and mobile platforms, depending on state laws.
- As of 2025, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting in some form, allowing single-game wagers at retail or online sportsbooks.
- Legal sports betting varies widely between states, with some maintaining restrictions such as betting limits or age requirements.
Understanding Sports Betting
Sports betting involves predicting the outcome of a sporting event and placing a wager on that outcome. The scope of sports betting extends beyond traditional athletic competitions such as basketball and football. Bettors can also wager on auto racing, horse racing, and even non-sporting events like political elections or the Oscars.
There are several common types of sports bets. Spread bets involve wagering on whether a team will win by a certain margin or “cover” the point spread. Prop bets focus on specific in-game events, like predicting who will score first. Totals, also called over/under bets, pay off if the combined score of both teams is higher or lower than a predicted number. Moneyline bets, on the other hand, focus on which team will win, with payouts determined by the odds attached to each team’s likelihood of success.
Sports betting is facilitated by sportsbooks, which can operate in-person at retail locations or through online/mobile platforms. Retail sportsbooks are typically found at casinos, racetracks, or sports arenas, while off-track betting (OTB) occurs when a sportsbook is located away from a racetrack. Historically, sports betting in the U.S. was legal only in Nevada until a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2018 lifted the federal ban, allowing states to regulate the activity themselves.
Warning
Sportsbooks make money by setting their odds so that they will generate a profit in the long term. As is the case with any form of gambling, the house always has the advantage, and there is always a negative expected return for the gambler.
Sports Betting Laws by State
According to the American Gaming Association, as of 2025, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting in some form. This means that legal sports betting, either retail, mobile, or both, is available to consumers in these states. One state has legalized sports betting (Missouri) but is not yet operational. Eleven states still have laws banning it altogether, although Texas will soon consider bills that may lead to legalized betting.
Even in states where sports betting is legal, limitations may apply. For example, in North Carolina, New Mexico, North Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin, only tribal casinos can offer sports betting. As a result, no online sportsbooks are available in these states. Additionally, some states restrict bets on in-state collegiate teams or limit wagering to specific events. Age requirements also vary, with some states setting the minimum age at 18, while others require bettors to be 21.
How Many States Allow Online Sports Betting?
A total of 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting in some form, with 29 of those states also permitting online and mobile sports betting. This growing trend reflects the increasing demand for accessible sports betting platforms across the country.
In Which States Is Sports Betting Illegal?
Currently, 11 states have not legalized sports betting: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
Is Sports Betting Legal on a Federal Level?
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, allowing individual states to decide whether to legalize and regulate the practice. However, no federal law specifically legalizes sports betting nationwide, meaning that states are free to establish their own rules and regulations on the matter.
The Bottom Line
If you’re interested in betting on sports, it’s crucial to understand your state’s laws, as they can vary widely in terms of legality, restrictions, and requirements. Even in states where sports betting is legal, the odds are often stacked against bettors, and the risks associated with gambling are much greater than alternative ways to invest your money. Always ensure that you’re wagering only what you can afford to lose.
Important
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700, or visit ncpgambling.org/chat to chat with a helpline specialist.